Tributes paid to former Boro boss John Neal who passed away at the weekend, aged 82

Terry Cochrane signs for Boro for £238,000 from Burnley in 1978. Watched by club secretary, Harry Green, left and John Neal

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Boro have paid tribute to former manager John Neal who passed away at the weekend, aged 82.

Neal replaced Jack Charlton at the helm at Ayresome Park and was in charge on Teesside between 1977 and 1981, twice leading Boro to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

Despite having to sell the club's star assets on the pitch including Graeme Souness, David Mills, Stuart Boam, he also broke the club's transfer record on three occasions to sign Billy Ashcroft, Irving Nattrass and Terry Cochrane.

Boro's chief executive Neil Bausor said: "John will always be fondly remembered for building on the good work of Jack Charlton and maintaining the club's top-flight status in the early eighties.

"We send our sincere condolences to his family and friends."

Boro's squad in the 1978/79 season. Manager John Neal, front right.

Born in County Durham, Neal played for Hull City, Swindon, Aston Villa and Southend before taking his first managerial role with Wrexham.

He led the Welsh side to the last eight of the European Cup Winners' Cup before taking charge at Boro.

After leaving Boro, Neal enjoyed great success as Chelsea boss, winning promotion back to Division One with a squad including Kerry Dixon and Pat Nevin.